Introduction: The Benchmark Gets a Polish
When Ducati launched the original Multistrada V4 back in 2021, it didn't just update a beloved nameplate — it rewrote the rulebook for what an adventure touring motorcycle could be. Fast forward to 2026, and the Italian manufacturer has returned with a thoroughly refined version of that formula. The Multistrada V4 S 2026 isn't a ground-up reinvention; it's a precision evolution, addressing the criticisms of previous model years while doubling down on what made the bike exceptional in the first place. After a full day of riding — covering mountain switchbacks, motorway stretches, and rutted gravel tracks — here's our verdict.
Fside profile of the 2026 Multistrada V4 S in motion or studio
What's New for 2026
Ducati hasn't rested on its laurels. The 2026 update brings a revised electronics package built around an upgraded six-axis IMU, with new cornering ABS curves that feel noticeably more intuitive under hard braking mid-corner. The riding modes have been reorganised into a cleaner interface accessible through a redesigned 6.5-inch TFT display, which now supports wireless smartphone integration as standard rather than as a paid option.
Close-up of the redesigned TFT display and handlebar controls
Ergonomics have been subtly reworked too. The handlebar is 15mm wider and 8mm higher than the outgoing model, reducing the slightly hunched feeling that taller riders occasionally complained about. The seat has been recontoured with new foam density zones — firmer under the sit bones for long-haul comfort, softer at the edges for easier flat-footing at stops. It's a small change that makes a meaningful difference over distance.
Engine detail shot highlighting the 1158cc V4 motor
New 6-axis IMU with updated cornering ABS logic
Redesigned 6.5-inch TFT with wireless smartphone integration
Wider, taller handlebar (+15mm wide, +8mm rise)
Recontoured seat with zoned foam density
Updated Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) chassis monitoring
Optional radar-assisted adaptive cruise control now standard on V4 S trim
The Engine: Still a Force of Nature
The heart of the Multistrada V4 S remains the Granturismo V4 — a 1158cc, 90-degree V4 producing 170hp at 10,500rpm and 125Nm of torque at 8,750rpm. These numbers haven't changed, and honestly, they don't need to. What Ducati has done is refine the fuelling at low rpm, smoothing out a slight hesitation in Urban mode that some riders found frustrating in stop-start traffic. The result is an engine that feels more tractable around town while losing absolutely none of its addictive top-end character.
Action shot of Multistrada V4 S cornering on mountain switchbacks
Out on open roads, the V4 pulls with that distinctive Ducati urgency — linear and progressive through the mid-range, then explosively insistent as the revs climb past 7,000rpm. The exhaust note, a crackling, mechanical howl that sounds unlike anything else in the adventure touring segment, remains one of the great sensory pleasures of modern motorcycling. Throttle response in Sport mode is sharp enough to feel genuinely exciting without being aggressive to the point of instability.
Rider on Multistrada tackling a gravel or unpaved road section
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling
The Multistrada V4 S rides on fully adjustable Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension — a system that continues to be the class standard. The damping responds to road conditions in real time and can be fine-tuned through the TFT menu with a level of granularity that will satisfy obsessive setup riders without overwhelming those who just want to hit a preset and go.
Rear three-quarter beauty shot showing luggage options and tail design
On mountain roads, the bike's 17-inch front wheel (a deliberate choice that prioritises tarmac agility over off-road capability) inspires tremendous confidence. Turn-in is quick and precise for a bike of this size and weight, and mid-corner stability is exceptional thanks to the Ducati Vehicle Observer system constantly modelling pitch, roll, and yaw. You have to remind yourself you're riding something that weighs 243kg wet — it simply doesn't feel that heavy once you're moving.
Venture onto gravel or loose surfaces and the Multistrada V4 S acquits itself reasonably well in Enduro mode, though it's honest enough about its road-biased intentions. It's a motorcycle for riders who want the option of an unpaved shortcut or a forest road detour, not for those planning genuine off-road expeditions. For that, Ducati offers the Multistrada V4 Rally.
Technology and Rider Aids
The 2026 Multistrada V4 S is arguably the most technologically sophisticated adventure tourer on the market. The suite of rider aids is comprehensive without being intrusive: Bosch Cornering ABS, eight-level traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and — now standard — the radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection system that was previously optional.
The ACC works seamlessly on motorways, maintaining a set following distance with smooth, natural throttle and brake inputs. It's genuinely useful for long-distance riding and reduces fatigue on multi-day tours. The blind spot monitoring, delivered through handlebar-mounted LED indicators, proved accurate and unobtrusive during our test. These aren't novelty features — they're safety tools that make a tangible difference on long rides.
Comfort and Long-Distance Credentials
Wind protection from the electrically adjustable screen is excellent across its full range. At motorway speeds in a high setting, turbulence around the helmet is minimal, and the fairing does a good job of diverting airflow around the rider's torso. Heated grips and seat come standard on the V4 S, and the seat heating works quickly and offers three temperature levels.
After six hours in the saddle covering over 350 kilometres, fatigue levels were genuinely low. The seat, despite our initial scepticism about the subtle foam changes, proved noticeably more comfortable than the outgoing model over extended mileage. Vibration through the bars and pegs is well managed for a high-displacement V4, though some tingle does arrive above 5,500rpm — a characteristic of the engine architecture rather than a flaw.
Verdict: Still the King
The 2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 S is a masterclass in iterative excellence. It takes one of the finest adventure tourers ever built and makes it more comfortable, more connected, and more sophisticated — without diluting the performance and character that made it special. Rivals like the BMW R 1300 GS and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S have raised their game considerably, and the competition has never been fiercer. But the Multistrada V4 S holds its ground through a combination of outright performance, class-leading electronics, and an emotional riding experience that no spreadsheet comparison can fully capture.
It remains the best adventure tourer money can buy — for riders who prioritise tarmac performance and technological sophistication above all else. The crown stays in Bologna.